Silhouettes 'n Stuff

I am really excited because we are going to get silhouettes done of the girls tomorrow. They are being done by silhouette artist, Clay Rice. He is at a local children's boutique. I can't wait to frame them and hang them in our house =). They only take 5 minutes each!! I will post pics when we are finished.

Also, in more important news...Stellan is out of the hospital--shout it from the rooftops!! Hoping he can stay away from the hospital now!!!

Go read Kayleigh's blog to see what you can do to help this family. I can't imagine their pain and stress!! Keep praying for them and for little Kayleigh that God would perform another miracle in her little life.

Marvelous

These are the kind of days made for me!! For the first time this year, I could go outside and not feel cold AT ALL!! The sun felt great--what a boost. On these days, I wake up with extra energy. The sun streams in all of the windows of my living room and I just know it will be a SUPER day. Okay, so I'm high on sunny & warm days--could ya tell?

Work went very quickly today since it was busy and Friday. The rest of the day was spent pretty much enjoying the weather outside with my two sweet little sugars and furry sugar. Did I just call Tufsey a "furry sugar"? I guess I did. That cat has worked his way into our family--living outside mind you. He is too charming to resist--even for the most un-cat person--kind of like me. I don't/didn't hate cats, but every one that I ever met was mean and hissy and jumpy. This little guy is so funny. He must be the thirstiest kitty ever. He drinks out of the little birdbath A LOT! We came home from the park tonight and there he came running down the walkway to greet us. Keirah got out of the car and he looked at her and then just plopped right down in front of her as if to say "give me some love".

I'm tired at the moment from all of the outside time. Tomorrow is a wedding. I love weddings and I love happily ever afters. It's hard for me to believe that it's been almost 9 years for Josh and I. What did I do to deserve such a husband?? He's the twinkle in my eye and the laughter that fills my day.
Well, that's all for now!! Here's to another MARVELOUS day tomorrow!!!! ENJOY!

The Neighborhood

So, this kitty has adopted us. He sleeps on the back porch often, watches us work in the yard, follows us around the yard, greets us when we are about to leave, and drinks water from the little birdbath. He finds a different place to go when it's raining or cold which may explain his recent three day absence. I know, I know...why don't we let him inside?? Well, truth is...Josh is VERY allergic to cats oddly enough, even though he grew up with MANY his entire life.

Last night we went on a walk. Aliyah wanted Tufsey to come along so daddy being a sweet daddy carried Tufsey. The hives were starting on his arms, and he had some itchy eyes. Much exposure to cats--even the short haired Tufsey gives him the symptoms. Of course, Tufsey in the way of cats couldn't be more perfect. He isn't jumpy, loves to follow us, is cute, and never growls or hisses at any of us--unlike other cats we've seen around. No, he doesn't bother birds or anything either. Oh yes, you will see a collar in the picture. That is a new addition by Aliyah and Josh from yesterday.

Another thing...we have yearly garage sales. As of a few days ago, we have received daily questions from people as to when we are having our garage sale. One is in the works, but it's funny to have people anticipating it. We were out working in the yard last night and these ladies riding bikes with their kids stopped to ask the date of it--quite funny. I'm going to have to start using those rainy/cold evenings to mark items because--yes it's time to lighten the house again!

Well, we're off to enjoy this day that is supposed to be 80 degrees--can I hear the "Hallelujah Chorus"?? This makes me really come alive--I love the sun and WARM/HOT weather. Have I ever mentioned that?

Pray for Kayleigh

I read Kayleigh's blog last night and couldn't believe what I was reading. She needs our prayers desperately. She had surgery a couple of days ago and hasn't woken up since. Go to Kayleigh's story to read more.

Stuck

I don't know what it is, but I've felt off all day--wondering why. It's time to discuss it on my knees and yes, that's what I'm going to do--right now.

Obedience

...brings BLESSINGS! Aliyah learned this during our Summit weeks and learned it in real life tonight. The cat who has adopted us and hangs out on our porch hasn't been around all day today or last night either--anywhere. She would check to see if he was around anywhere and there weren't any signs of him--all day. That is out of character for him.

Tonight, I asked her to clean up her stuff. She kind of didn't really want to do it because it was hard work. I told her that I didn't think Tufsey would come back until she started obeying--not that I really knew anyway when he would come back. Aliyah spent the next several minutes cleaning her room--cheerfully. Keirah wanted to pray at bedtime so we prayed. Aliyah's prayer ended like this..."God, please keep Tufsey safe". They went to bed listening to their cd. I went upstairs to fold laundry.

I had to close the window since it was chillier and I looked out. I could see a bit of white in the next block. I made a little noise and the white thing moved. Then a car came down the street--oh great... Luckily, the car turned and there was Tufsey running toward the house. I went downstairs and got to the back door just in time to be greeted by meowing. He even pawed at the door. I went to Aliyah's room and asked her if she really thought that Obedience brought blessings?? She said, "yes". I asked her if she thought Jesus answered prayers. She said, "yes". I told her to come with me to the back door. She was thrilled to see him!! He is sleeping on the adirondack chair all curled up.

The following pictures are of Aliyah at Happy Heart City on the last night with her teachers... Miss Alyssa, Miss Anna, and Miss Leesha. It was hat night in case you are wondering =).

Easter

Do you love Jesus? He most definitely loves us. Last night we attended our church's Good Friday Service of Darkness. It is candlelit and as the service progresses, the candles are snuffed out until one remains. It is dark as we remember Christ's final hours on the cross.

The redemption is coming though as Sunday approaches and we remember His victory over death and the cross so we could have hope and eternal life. It is a time of reflection.

We leave the service in silence which is quite amazing for hundreds and hundreds of people. As we walked through the Narthex, there was a live scene in the courtyard of Jesus' disciples and their final hours before Jesus is put on the cross. It is a time of prayer and thankfulness.

I'm so thankful that HE loves us!